The art -- and the fun -- is in the hats, handbags, and gloves

It's also promising that Durante has gone to great lengths to supplement the items of the show's title with all sorts of goodies: maps, photographs, vintage magazine and newspaper ads, and other information, including a glossary of 104 hat types.

A freestanding three-panel display nearby features some beautifully unassuming black-and-white photographic portraits (most of people in hats) by Lou Bernstein, who has spent decades taking pictures of ordinary people in New York City.

Chapeaus and leather handbags: Is this the start of something little?

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The friend who accompanied me to "Hats, Handbags & Gloves" turned to me as we exited the show and asked, "So, what did you think?" My response: "Is it art? Probably not. But is it fun and fascinating? You bet."